Global Space Sensors and Actuators Market Assessment, By Sensor Type [Star Trackers, Gyroscopes & IMUs, Sun Sensors, Magnetometers, Optical Sensors, Environmental Sensors], By Actuator Type [Reaction Wheels, Control Moment Gyroscopes, Miniaturized Thruster Assemblies, Shape Memory Actuators, Robotic Arm Actuators], By Application [Scientific Satellites, Earth Observation Satellites, Interplanetary Probes, Space Rovers & Landers], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global space sensors and actuators market is projected to witness a CAGR of 13.93% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 3.91 billion in 2024 to USD 11.10 billion in 2032. The space sensors and actuators industry is evolving, driven primarily by miniaturization, deeper space exploration, and increased satellite launches. New advancements in MEANS sensors, piezoelectric actuators, radiation-hardening technologies, and others in this class of technologies are ramping up the capabilities, robustness, and dependability of sensors and actuators in challenging conditions. These technologies are vital for spacecraft operating in orbit, enabling them to sense their environment, adapt mission profiles with flexibility, and autonomously determine appropriate actions. Numerous commercial space projects, such as satellite constellations, nanosatellites, and CubeSats, have arisen for which a low-cost compact solution is critical. The development of MEMS sensors with improved power and space efficiency, particularly for solar and AI applications, is enabling more complex and intelligent space missions.

In the North American market, strong government support combined with private development and investment in space activities is expected to sustain the region’s dominance in the global space sensors and actuators market.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2032F
Historical Period	2018-2023
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.93% between 2024 and 2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 11.10 billion

For instance, in June 2025, Northrop Grumman Corporation inaugurated a 100,000-square-foot Highfield Integration Facility in Englewood, Colorado, to enhance the production of space ground systems.  The expansion supports the delivery of mission-critical data to U.S. and allied warfighters through advanced fixed and mobile technologies. This move strengthens Northrop Grumman’s infrastructure footprint in Colorado, now exceeding one million square feet.

Rising Number of Space Missions Increasing Space Sensors and Actuators Market Growth

The increase in space missions, from satellite constellations to deep-space exploration missions, is driving the demand for advanced types of sensors and actuators. These will be necessary for applications including navigation, environmental characterization, propulsion control, and autonomous operations. As government and private-sector investment in affordable launch services and miniaturized spacecraft increases, the demand for compact, reliable, and radiation-hardened systems also rises. Emerging sensor technologies, such as MEMS sensors, and actuator technologies, such as electro-hydrostatic actuators, will help facilitate more intelligent and energy-efficient missions. Beyond launch systems and traditional spacecraft, the expanding commercial space sector, including CubeSats and reusable launch systems, is expected to drive rapid market growth, with sensors and actuators serving as critical components of the emerging space ecosystem.

For instance, in June 2025, RTX Corporation’s subsidiary, Blue Canyon Technologies, successfully launched a CubeSat to support NASA’s ARCSTONE mission, to measure lunar spectral reflectance. The satellite will help calibrate space-based images for Earth observation by using the Moon as a high-accuracy reference source. Built and operated by Blue Canyon, the spacecraft features advanced guidance and control systems to ensure precise targeting and data collection.

Satellite Technology Innovations Fueling Space Sensors and Actuators Market Acceleration

Satellite technology is advancing rapidly, driving growth across commercial, defense, and scientific applications. Advancements in size, artificial intelligence, and propulsion technologies have enabled new satellites to operate more intelligently, autonomously, and with enhanced processing and communication capabilities. Small satellites and CubeSats are further democratizing access to space, offering faster, more cost-effective manufacturing and reduced launch expenditures.

New products such as satellite IoT accounts and laser communications, as well as demand for new models like in-orbit servicing, are adapting models and new possibilities of use. In addition, augmented vehicular systems, multi-orbital approaches, and modular designs are shaping a more dynamic path for space expansion. Together, all these foundations pave the way for a significant increase in investment worldwide and new futures for connectivity, earth observation, and space exploration.

Earth Observation Satellites Dominate Space Sensors and Actuators Market Growth

Earth observation satellites are a significant aspect of expansion within the space sensors and actuators market by monitoring climate conditions, disaster response, and resource management. Satellites utilize sensors, including spectrometers, thermal imagers, and multispectral cameras that require high-resolution measurements. Additionally, the actuators enable accurate and precise orientation as well as payload deployment of the sensor itself to ensure that the missions are measured most accurately. As demand for larger satellite constellations rises and the need for real-time Earth analytics expands, innovations in miniaturized and radiation-hardened components, along with advances in specialized sensor technologies, are driving sustained technological growth.

Governments and commercial organizations are continually expanding the applications of space technologies, particularly in environmental monitoring and geospatial intelligence. Earth observation platforms are a major contributor to the need for dependable, high-performance sensing and control systems meant for long-duration, high-reliability applications.

For instance, in September 2024, Airbus SE was selected by MDA Space Ltd. to supply over 200 Sparkwing solar arrays for its software-defined satellite product line, AURORA. These arrays, built at Airbus’s high-capacity facility in Leiden, will support Telesat’s Lightspeed constellation, enhancing global connectivity through Low Earth Orbit satellites.

North America Dominates the Space Sensors and Actuators Market

The space sensors and actuators market is largely dominated by North American players, driven by strong government mandates, advanced technological capabilities, and a thriving commercial space sector. The United States contributes most significantly to the overall North American market size, and has several key players including Honeywell, Moog, and Texas Instruments. The region has a strong commitment to deep space exploration and satellite-sector innovation, which is reflected through NASA's Artemis mission, combined with the frequent number of SpaceX missions that occur. Demand for miniaturized, radiation-hardened components in both defense and commercial markets is being driven by the broader push for rapid space exploration and the growing need for diverse terrestrial applications and service delivery options. Strategic planning and investment in satellite constellations, planetary exploration, and the growth of AI-integrated sensing systems solidify North America as a substantial, ongoing player in the evolving landscape of next-generation, advanced space technologies.

For instance, in January 2023, Ball Aerospace entered the final stages of building the Weather System Following with Microwave (WSF-M) satellite for the U.S. Space Force. The satellite featured Ball’s Microwave Imager (MWI) and a government-provided Energetic Charged Particle (ECP) sensor to deliver real-time environmental intelligence and space weather data.

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Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Space Sensors and Actuators Market

U.S. tariffs have disrupted the market for sensors and actuators in space, primarily through increasing the prices of raw materials, including aluminum and electronics, which require rethinking sourcing across the supply chain. Foreign buyers are beginning to reconsider partnerships with U.S. suppliers, as reduced competitiveness and procurement delays are hindering U.S. firms from securing the materials and components they need.

Smaller companies will be most impacted because they lack the ability to adjust opportunities by absorbing or deferring costs to account for increases in costs or entertainment across their supply chains. The long-term effects of the tariffs include a slowdown in innovation, strategic shifts in companies, and an increased emphasis on domestic manufacturing and supply chain resiliency.

Report Scope

“Global Space Sensors and Actuators Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F” is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of the global space sensors and actuators market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecasts between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Segments Covered	Sensor Type, Actuator Type, Application
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profiled	RTX Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Thales Alenia Space S.p.A. (Thales Group), Moog Inc., RUAG Space AG, Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U., Blue Canyon Technologies, Inc.
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, the global space sensors and actuators market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Sensor Type
  • Star Trackers
  • Gyroscopes & IMUs
  • Sun Sensors
  • Magnetometers
  • Optical Sensors
  • Environmental Sensors
    • Radiation
    • Temperature
    • Pressure
  • By Actuator Type
    • Reaction Wheels
    • Control Moment Gyroscopes
    • Miniaturized Thruster Assemblies
    • Shape Memory Actuators
    • Robotic Arm Actuators
  • By Application
    • Scientific Satellites
    • Earth Observation Satellites
    • Interplanetary Probes
    • Space Rovers & Landers
  • By Region
    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia-Pacific
    • South America
    • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The space sensors and actuators market is shaped by a dynamic blend of innovation, strategic partnerships, and evolving mission requirements. Key contributors are advancing miniaturized, radiation-hardened, and AI-integrated systems to meet growing demand across satellite constellations, planetary exploration, and autonomous spacecraft operations. The competitive environment is defined by rapid technological progress in MEMS, electro-hydrostatic actuators, and smart sensing platforms. Strategic collaborations with space agencies and research institutions are fostering breakthroughs in reliability and mission adaptability. Looking ahead, the market is expected to prioritize modular architectures, in-orbit servicing capabilities, and sustainability-driven designs, positioning agile and forward-thinking players to lead in next-generation space missions.

For instance, in June 2023, BAE Systems plc agreed to acquire Ball Aerospace, a division of Ball Corporation, for approximately USD 5.6 billion in cash, marking one of its largest deals to date. The acquisition strengthens BAE’s position in the space and defense sectors, adding capabilities in spacecraft, sensors, and mission payloads aligned with U.S. national security priorities.

Key Players Operating in the Global Space Sensors and Actuators Market are:

• RTX Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• BAE Systems plc
• Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
• Thales Alenia Space S.p.A. (Thales Group)
• Moog Inc.
• RUAG Space AG
• Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U.
• Blue Canyon Technologies, Inc.

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